FAA Sport Pilot Airplane (SPA)Human Factors and ADMMedium
A sport pilot is en route on a cross-country flight when clouds begin lowering ahead. Instead of turning back or landing, the pilot descends to stay under the clouds and continues toward the destination in worsening visibility. This behavior is best described as an example of which risk factor?
- APositive transfer of learning
- BComplacency
- CConfirmation bias
- DScud running
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Scud running
Scud running is the practice of continuing VFR flight beneath a lowering ceiling in an attempt to remain in visual conditions, and is a leading cause of weather-related accidents.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Positive transfer of learning refers to prior skills helping in new tasks, unrelated here.
- B. Complacency is reduced vigilance from overfamiliarity, not weather avoidance behavior.
- C. Confirmation bias is seeking information that confirms existing beliefs, not this specific flying behavior.
Scud Running
Attempting to maintain visual contact with the ground by flying at low altitude under a lowering ceiling, often leading to inadvertent flight into IMC or terrain.
- Common cause of weather-related general aviation accidents
- Increases risk of controlled flight into terrain (CFIT)
- Best countered by early diversion or landing before conditions worsen
Memory trick: 'Scud running' = ducking under a shrinking ceiling like limbo